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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations unexplained bruises after night out • soreness after night out • woke up bruised and confused • memory gap after drinking • blackout and worried • think i was assaulted • not sure if consent happened • possible drink spiking • feeling drugged after night out • woke up in unfamiliar place • underwear or clothes missing • unexplained injuries after party • pain after sex but unsure • hazy night out concerns • shock numbness after night out • worried about sexual contact • bruising on arms legs torso • after clubbing feel unsafe • can't remember getting home

What to do if…
you notice unexplained bruises or soreness after a night out and you are worried about sexual assault

Short answer

Get to a safe place and reach confidential support (RAINN or a local crisis center) and/or medical care as soon as you can. You don’t have to decide about reporting to police right now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not pressure yourself to “prove” what happened before getting help.
  • Do not confront someone you suspect while you’re alone or still in shock.
  • Do not delete texts, photos, call logs, or rideshare receipts from the night if you may want options later.
  • Do not throw away clothing or bedding from the night if you may want options later.
  • Do not delay emergency care if you have significant pain, bleeding, injuries, or you feel unwell.

What to do now

  1. Get to safety and bring someone in. If possible, move to a secure location and ask a trusted person to stay with you. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 911.
  2. Contact confidential, specialist support (24/7). You can reach RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline:
    • Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
    • Chat via RAINN’s hotline page
    • Text “HOPE” to 64673
  3. Seek medical care today if you can. Go to an ER or a clinic that can provide sexual-assault care (often with a SANE/SAFE-trained clinician). Tell them you’re worried about a possible sexual assault so they can check injuries and discuss pregnancy/STI prevention.
  4. If you think you were drugged/spiked, say that clearly. Ask the clinician about whether any toxicology testing is appropriate and time-sensitive. (You do not need to know what substance it might have been.)
  5. Make a quick “memory snapshot.” In notes or on paper: where you were, who you were with, when you last remember feeling OK, where you woke up, and what you noticed (bruises/soreness/clothing). Keep it brief.
  6. If you may want the option of a forensic exam later (only if you want): avoid showering if you can, and keep clothing/bedding from the night in a clean, dry bag (paper if you have it; otherwise any clean bag). If you already showered or changed, it’s still okay—go anyway.
  7. Protect what you already have without overthinking it. If you can, screenshot or save key details you already see (texts, call log, ride receipts) and then put your phone away for a while to avoid accidental deletion while you’re overwhelmed.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to report, whether to seek a protective order, or what you want to happen legally.
  • You do not need to contact the bar/club, friends from the night, or anyone you suspect today unless it affects your immediate safety.
  • You do not need to write a detailed narrative or collect proof yourself before getting medical/support help.

Important reassurance

Confusion, numbness, or patchy memory can happen after trauma and/or possible intoxication. Bruises and soreness can have different causes—but your concern is enough reason to seek support and medical care. You deserve to be treated with respect and to stay in control of what happens next.

Scope note

This guide covers first steps to stabilise, get safe support, and keep options open. Later decisions can be made with specialist advocates and clinicians when you feel steadier.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or investigative advice. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, call 911. If you’re unsure what to do, contacting RAINN or going to an ER is a safe first move.

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